How we work

Ospar Region

KIMO pursues environmental issues at international level (e.g. International Maritime Organisation, UNEP), EU level (European Parliament, European Commission) and regional level (e.g. OSPAR, HELCOM, CPMR) by proactive lobbying of government ministers and others to acknowledge and take action on the issues threatening our marine environment. KIMO collaborates with NGOs internationally, nationally and regionally to make joint proposals against emerging threats.
KIMO seeks practical solutions to environmental problems and seeks funding to run demonstrative projects which allow our members to highlight solutions to governments and policymakers. KIMO’s Fishing for Litter scheme has been hugely successful in encouraging fishermen to take ashore litter and abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) that they find during their normal fishing activities.

Marine litter removed from the ocean by KIMO’s Fishing for Litter project

KIMO undertakes research both internally and in collaboration with research institutions and other organisations to ensure that the information and evidence-base used to back up its lobbying is both accurate and contemporary. KIMO continues to develop close links with academic and research institutions.

Organisational structure

KIMO is governed by an Assembly of Delegates which meets once a year to discuss and agree on all major decisions on policy and to approve the annual budget. The International Board of Directors is the management group, consisting of the Chairs of each member network, which is responsible for managing the work programme and budget. The International Secretariat is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation. Each network also has a management board and a coordinator which report back to the International Board. The coordinators focus on the implementation of projects and coordinate the expansion of the organisation.

The International Secretariat communicates policy development and issues relevant to KIMO members and actions the resulting work. It coordinates joint responses to public consultations. It highlights and plans strategies for dealing with emerging issues. It works with national networks to coordinate practical and research-based projects. It facilitates information and sharing of best practice between members and externally. It organises meetings and seminars and promotes KIMO’s work internationally.